Closet Angels volunteer makes 500+ masks

By Kathy Thomson

Like many local residents, Chris Blue has spent a lot of time over the last few weeks sewing face masks for those who need them, and so far, Blue has given masks to several elderly people in Albany, local Brookshire’s and Dollar General employees, West Texas Rehab workers, EMTs and firemen from Abilene, Texas Oncology and Abilene Diagnostic workers, and employees at Resource Care and Walmart in Breckenridge.

“Blue used to volunteer with Closet Angels, so we donated a small amount of fabric once we realized she was giving these away for free,” said Closet Angels director Lori Reames. “When I asked if I could buy some for Brookshire’s employees, she insisted on giving them to those workers for free.”

Reames said that Blue’s mask-making project has reached many workers in Albany and Abilene.

“I have made at least 524,” Blue tallied. “Some people have been able to pay or donate, and I’ve used that to get more materials.”

Blue started out making rectangular pleated masks, but has changed to making the nose-piece style, because they conform to the face better, offering greater protection.

Blue had first become very concerned about the new coronavirus when her son, who works for Bell Helicopter, was in Germany on a business trip with some of his coworkers.

“All of a sudden, the coronavirus really started spreading, and they were told by Bell to ‘come home now’,” she said. “But by then they couldn’t get a direct flight home from Germany. My son said they were racing around Europe like they were in ‘The Amazing Race’ trying to get home.”

Blue added that all of them self quarantined as soon as they were back in the U.S. 

Blue’s first face masks were made for her niece, who was working in a Decatur hospital and is now among those working in New York on the front lines.

“Some of the masks I’ve made have been with four layers for hospital workers, but most of the ones I make are two layers of fabric, with a pocket between the layers so people can add a filter as needed,” Blue said. “The masks can be washed and reused.”

This week Blue took a break from sewing.

“My arthritis got me, and I burned my hand, so I’m taking a week off,” she said.

She is also out of fabric.

“I plan to make some more masks,” Blue said. “Hopefully, I will be able to find more material when I am ready to sew again.”

Essential workers and elderly residents in need of a mask can contact Reames to see if Blue has any available.